Motorists and companies face fines for illegal video recording
dash cam in a car
Source: PA/DPA/Daniel Schaffero
Modern cars are equipped with lots of cameras, but recording with them isn’t really allowed. That’s why data and consumer advocates caution against its use. Tesla and some drivers are already facing lawsuits and fines.
wooAutomakers and drivers are being threatened with penalties from data protection officials for using the cameras on board. “We have already issued various fines, but of course we are far from catching them all,” said Michael Will, president of the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision, WELT AM SONNTAG. The recording of images of spectators without their consent is prohibited in Germany, but systems such as Tesla’s so-called Guard Mode or “Dashcam” still allow it.
In these cases, Will sees a “loss of enforcement” and a “loss of information for the user.” Who gets the data and where can you file an objection”. But he doesn’t think “customers will be thrilled to have warning signs on every new luxury car.”
Consumer Advice Center is targeting manufacturers
The Federal Consumer Association (VZBV), which filed a lawsuit against Tesla in July, considers the use of Sentry Mode to be “practically impossible” in compliance with data protection regulations. When asked by WELT AM SONNTAG, the association announced possible moves against other companies: “We are currently also examining proposals from other car manufacturers and will issue further warnings if necessary,” says VZBV. There is also a lack of norms and task controls for anonymous use of video data from the car.
